Topps releasing trading card of Lionel Messi, infant Lamine Yamal

Topps has announced the release of a unique trading card featuring a memorable image of Argentina’s Lionel Messi holding Spain’s Lamine Yamal, the company revealed on Monday.

Messi, often celebrated as one of football’s all-time greats, was photographed cradling Yamal as a baby. Now, at 19 years old, Yamal is establishing himself as a budding star at Barcelona, the club where Messi carved out his illustrious career.

The iconic Messi & Yamal photoshoot is going on a 1-of-1 trading card 🥹

Arriving in Topps Stadium Club UCC later this year. pic.twitter.com/gDWljwXLJ7

— Topps (@Topps) July 20, 2026

The two had their first encounter during the Sunday World Cup final, where Yamal’s Spain triumphed over Messi’s Argentina with a score of 1-0.

Topps announced that the limited-edition card will be a 1-of-1, to be included in boxes of the Topps Stadium Club UCC set, set to launch later this year.

At the time they first met, Messi was playing for Barcelona and participated in a UNICEF fundraising event, where he ended up holding a baby who could become a future icon of the sport.

Before the match, Messi reflected on their striking encounter from years prior. “That photo is incredible,” he stated. “I took a picture with him when he was a baby. The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”

The 2026 final marked a potential shift in football’s landscape, with the 39-year-old Messi possibly featuring in his final World Cup as Yamal embarked on his inaugural tournament experience.

Both players will now take a break after participating in eight matches during this summer’s World Cup. Yamal is slated to return to training ahead of the 2026-27 LaLiga season, while Messi will resume play with MLS team Inter Miami CF after a hiatus for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

ESPN writer Dan Hajducky contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press was also included.